Observations of atmospheric dimethyl sulfide in the Southern Ocean during a cruise on the research vessel Umitakamaru in 2008-2009

Abstract

Observations of atmospheric dimethyl sulfide were performed in the Southern Ocean during a cruise from Cape Town to Fremantle on the research vessel Umitakamaru" of the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology during the austral summer from January to February 2009. The main observation area was south of 60°S in the Southern Ocean, which includes the margin of Antarctic sea ice. The results represent the first continuous measurements of atmospheric dimethyl sulfide in the area. We also undertook point measurements of dimethyl sulfide in the ocean. High concentrations of dimethyl sulfide (>2ppb) were recorded in the atmosphere at the margin of sea ice off Syowa and off Cape Darnley.